Indium trichloride catalyzed one-step synthesis of α-amino nitriles by a three-component condensation of carbonyl compounds, amines and potassium cyanide

A simple and general method has been developed for the synthesis of alpha-aminonitriles by a one-pot three-component condensation of aldehydes or ketones, amines and potassium cyanide in THF in presence of a catalytic amount of indium trichloride. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.